25+ Years of Local Experience
Tacking
Plasterboard screwed directly to timber stud walls and ceiling joists, ready for skim or tape and joint.
- Family-owned & local
- Residential & commercial
- Free site visits
About this service
Boards fixed tight, ready for a flawless finish.
Tacking is the trade term for screw-fixing plasterboard to timber stud walls and ceiling joists. It is the first finishing step on most extensions, loft conversions and renovations, before the plasterer skims or before tape and jointing for a dry finish.
Good tacking is what stops cracks later: boards staggered, joints tight, edges supported on noggins, and screws at the right centres and depth so the paper face is never torn.
What's included
- Frames and joists checked for line and level, packed where needed
- Noggins added to support board edges and future fixtures
- The right board for each area: standard, moisture, fire or acoustic
- Boards staggered with tight joints and as few cut edges as possible
- Screws at the correct centres and depth, without breaking the paper
- Ceilings boarded first, then walls, for clean junctions
- Corners, reveals and openings beaded ready for skim
- Offcuts cleared and the area left tidy
Why it works
The benefits of tacking
- 01
Ready for the plasterer
A flat, tight surface lets the skim go on thin and even, which saves time and plaster.
- 02
Fewer cracks
Staggered joints and supported edges keep movement cracks to a minimum.
- 03
Right board, right place
Moisture, fire and acoustic boards go exactly where they are needed.
- 04
Quick turnaround
Extensions and lofts are boarded quickly so the next trade can start.
Options
Systems we install
Who it's for
Housing & commercial
Housing
Homeowners, builders and developers.
- Extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions
- Full renovations
- New-build plots
Commercial
Main contractors, fit-out firms and businesses.
- Timber-frame developments
- Refurbishment contracts
- Retail and hospitality refits
- Housing association works
Our work
From our sites
How it works
Simple from start to finish
- 01
Tell us about the job
Use the quote form, call or send photos on WhatsApp.
- 02
Free site visit
We measure up, check the walls and ceilings and talk through options.
- 03
Clear written quote
An itemised price by system and area, with no vague provisional sums.
- 04
We get it done
Built to programme, snagged with you and left clean and ready to finish.
FAQs
Tacking: your questions
Something else? Ask us when you request a quote, or call and talk it through.
What is the difference between tacking and plastering?
Tacking is fixing the plasterboard to the timber frame. Plastering (skimming) is the thin finishing coat applied over the boards afterwards. Alternatively the boards can be taped and jointed for a dry finish with no skim.
Do I need to skim after tacking?
Not always. Tapered-edge boards can be taped and jointed and then decorated. Square-edge boards are normally skimmed. We will board to suit whichever finish you are planning.
How long does it take to board an extension?
It depends on size and access, but most single-storey extensions are boarded in a matter of days, not weeks. We will give you a firm timescale with the quote.
Can you re-board an old lath-and-plaster ceiling?
Yes. We can take the old ceiling down and tack new plasterboard to the joists, or in some cases over-board it. We will look at the condition and advise on the cleanest option.
Can you work around my plasterer and electrician?
Yes. We fit around first-fix electrics and plumbing and hand over to your plasterer when the boards are ready. Tell us the programme and we will fit into it.
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Need tacking? Let's price it.
Tell us about the job and we will come back with a clear, itemised price. Site visits are free.